Some of the content on the Crohn's & Colitits Foundation of America website requires JavaScript to be enabled in your web browser to function as intended. This includes, but is not limited to: Flash (also requires the Adobe Flash Player), navigation, video, image galleries, etc. While the website is still usable without JavaScript, it should be enabled to enjoy the full interactive experience.

Antibiotics are effective as long-term therapy in some people with IBD, particularly Crohn's disease patients. This section provides information on antibiotic drugs including the different types, delivery, possible side effects, drug interactions, and special considerations.

Template letter for professionals to complete so patients may receive authorization for increased dosing of adalimumab. Healthcare provider completes letter and patient submits to their insurance company.

Template letter for professionals to complete so patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) may receive authorization to take adalimumab when they are no longer responsive to infliximab. Healthcare provider completes letter and patient submits to their insurance company.

Template letter for professionals to complete so patients may receive insurance coverage for the calprotectin stool test. Healthcare provider completes letter and patient submits to their insurance company prior to testing.

Template letter for professionals to complete so patients may undergo a capsule endoscopy for diagnostic purposes instead of other methods of examination. Healthcare provider completes letter and patient submits to their insurance company prior to testing.

Template letter for professionals to complete so patients may appeal insurance decisions related to the dosing of certolizumab. Healthcare provider completes letter and patient submits to their insurance company.

Template letter for professionals to complete so patients may receive authorization for increased dosing of infliximab. Healthcare provider completes letter and patient submits to their insurance company.

Template letter for professionals to complete so patients may undergo metabolite level testing instead of other testing methods. Healthcare provider completes letter and patient submits to their insurance company prior to testing.

Template letter for professionals to complete when using a medication to treat IBD that is considered off-label. Healthcare provider completes letter and patient submits to their insurance company providing documentation of the medical necessity of the drug being prescribed to the patient.

Template letter for professionals to complete so patients may undergo genetic testing for TPMT (thiopurine methyltransferase) enzyme. Healthcare provider completes letter and patient submits to their insurance company prior to testing.

Biologic therapies are often reserved to treat more advanced or aggressive disease. This section provides information on biologic drugs including the different types, delivery, possible side effects, drug interactions, and special considerations.

This program explains: Latest breakthroughs in IBD research, including microbiome discoveries, predicting disease course, targets for new treatments, clinical trial phases, and participating in IBD research as a patient.

A control group, FDA, and informed consent are some of the words important to know when considering a clinical trial. A list of other important words and their definition are included in this glossary.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can be treated but not cured with conventional medical therapies. Therefore, some people living with IBD look toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to supplement convential therapies to help ease their symptoms. Get answers to your questions about CAM in this fact sheet.

In general, corticosteroids are recommended only for short-term use in order to achieve remission. This section provides information on corticosteroid drugs including the different types, delivery, possible side effects, drug interactions, and special considerations.

Diet and nutrition concerns of patients with inflammatory bowel disease are extremely common. The information provided here offers an overall dietary guide for patients and their families. It is based on the results of ongoing studies and the accumulation of knowledge gained in recent years.

Going to see your doctor can be an overwhelming experience -- but it doesn’t have to be. Establishing good communication with your health care provider, especially your gastroenterologist, can make all the difference and heighten the likelihood of better long-term results. Here is a list of questions that may help you on your next doctor’s visit.

As the science of nutrition has matured, we’ve learned a great deal about the interplay between a variety of nutritional factors, and we’ve begun to understand our bodies as complex biological systems.

This book compiles critical, up-to-date statistics and information about IBD. The book generates greater awareness and a deeper understanding of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis among patients, families, health care professionals, CCFA supporters, and others interested in broadening their knowledge on IBD.

This program explains: the latest research on the relationship between IBD and nutrition, eating well with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, proper supplementation, and tips for holidays and social gatherings.

It is important to continue general health maintenance. While working with your gastroenterologist, also remember to speak with your primary care health care provider about other important health issues. Learn more about other important health issues in this fact sheet

Many people are confused about two distinct gastrointestinal disorders - IBD and IBS. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) produces some symptoms similar to those of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but they are not the same...

As their name implies, immunomodulators weaken or modulate the activity of the immune system. This section provides information on immunomodulator drugs including the different types, delivery, possible side effects, drug interactions, and special considerations.

Otherwise know as the flu, influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Some people, including older people, young children and individuals with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious complications from the flu. You can learn more about how to protect yourself in this fact sheet.

This program explains: Risks and benefits of current treatments for IBD, the role of complementary and alternative medicine, advocating for optimal IBD care, and how to find quality resources for IBD information.

This program is in English and Spanish, and explains: Overall goals of disease management, treatment options and self-management strategies, defining remission in IBD, and the importance of treatment adherence.

This pediatric webcast explains: Important differences between pediatric and adult Crohn's disease, the medical management of pediatric CD, the critical role of nutrition, growth and development of the pediatric Crohn's patient, and quality of life and support systems.

Research in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is changing and improving the way Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are diagnosed and treated. National expert and researcher Stephan R. Targan, MD, discusses recent advances in IBD research and answers questions such as, "How will advances in IBD genetics and immunology impact me?" "When should an infusion or injection therapy be considered in IBD treatment?" "What are clinical trials and how can they benefit me?" View the full-length Webcast at www.ccfa.org.

Watch this excerpt from CCFA's hour-long "Progress in Crohn's Disease" webcast. The full-length webcast, available at www.ccfa.org, helps to answer: what are the current and emerging therapies in CD; how research is targeting and utilizing research; and what's new in pediatric research.

These are excerpts from CCFA's hour-long Webcast, "The A to Z of Treating UC." ( View the full webcast at www.ccfa.org.) The full webcast covers topics such as treatment options for ulcerative colitis, quality of life, and questions to ask your doctor.

This teleconference/webcast discussed women and IBD, and was led by physician experts Sunanda V. Kane, MD, MSPH, and Uma Mahadevan-Velayos, MD. The webcast includes discussion on " What are important gender issues in IBD?" "How does IBD affect intimacy and sexuality?" and "What is the impact of IBD medication on fertility and pregnancy?" These are excerpts from the hour-long webcast, which can be viewed at www.ccfa.org.

Understanding what Crohn's disease (CD) is and how it can affect a young person's health and life will better equip you to actively participate as a member of your healthcare team. Featuring pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Sandra Kim and clinical social worker Janis Arnold, this webcast was developed to help patients, caregivers, and pediatricians understand the unique medical and psychosocial needs of children with CD and the importance of continual care. A full-length version is available at www.ccfa.org.

Our gut microbiota have a key role in IBD, but only a limited number of the enormously complex bacteria, viruses, and fungi that make up this community have been identified, and their functions are largely unknown.

This program explains: Differences between pediatric and adult IBD care, processes and goals for transitioning from pediatric to adult IBD care, differences in IBD treatment and management options when transitioning care, and best practices to improve the quality of life for patients who are transitioning from pediatric to adult IBD care.

If you have been diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), you'll want to learn as much as possible about the treatment options available. Over the past decade, major advances in deciphering the mechanisms of this disease has greatly expanded those options. Understanding which forces are work—and when—have generated a number of exciting opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

This webcast discusses: Current and emerging treatment approaches to ulcerative colitis, long-term disease maintenance and quality of life, and considerations when discussing options with your healthcare provider.

Written in Spanish, this brochure provides helpful answers to commonly asked questions about ulcerative colitis, such as what it is, diet, cause, is their a cure, among many others. The goal is to discuss the key points about ulcerative colitis and what the individual may expect in the future.

Written in Spanish, this brochure provides helpful answers to commonly asked questions about Crohn's disease, such as what it is, cause, diet, is their a cure, among many others. The goal is to discuss the key points about Crohn’s disease and what the individual may expect in the future.

CCFA held a three-day research colloquium in Atlanta. The colloquium involved a panel of six IBD research leaders from across the country and touched on topics such as therapies, genetics, nutrition, and much more. This five-part series is a "must view" for anyone interested in the future of IBD research.

CCFA held a three-day research colloquium in Atlanta. The colloquium involved a panel of six IBD research leaders from across the country and touched on topics such as therapies, genetics, nutrition, and much more. This five-part series is a "must view" for anyone interested in the future of IBD research.

CCFA held a three-day research colloquium in Atlanta. The colloquium involved a panel of six IBD research leaders from across the country and touched on topics such as therapies, genetics, nutrition, and much more. This five-part series is a "must view" for anyone interested in the future of IBD research.

CCFA held a three-day research colloquium in Atlanta. The colloquium involved a panel of six IBD research leaders from across the country and touched on topics such as therapies, genetics, nutrition, and much more. This five-part series is a "must view" for anyone interested in the future of IBD research.

CCFA held a three-day research colloquium in Atlanta. The colloquium involved a panel of six IBD research leaders from across the country and touched on topics such as therapies, genetics, nutrition, and much more. This five-part series is a "must view" for anyone interested in the future of IBD research.